Combat Grappling

Combat grappling is a form of safe amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) that incorporates techniques from most existing Martial Arts systems, creating a unique fighting environment that alternatively takes the fight from standing to ground positions. Combat grappling matches are either won by grappling holds such as joint locks and chokes, or by striking and kicking techniques.

Combat grappling was created by FILA to fulfill the need for a properly managed and regulated form of amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Indeed the provision of a safe training environment and competition system has become an urgent necessity for all athletes wishing to engage in what is considered the fastest growing sport worldwide. Despite its tremendous popularity, today’s MMA is facing various challenges due to the lack of sanctioning by an International Federation and the lack of universal rules that would protect the athletes’ physical and psychological integrity.

Through the mandatory use of protection gear and limited impact rules (especially regarding ground and pound), FILA intends to offer a sport that can safely prepare an athlete for a professional MMA career or provide extended knowledge on realistic fighting scenarios. With its combination of stand up and ground techniques, combat grappling becomes one of the only true form of self-defense and fulfills today’s quest for effective and applicable solutions. It is particularly recommended for the training of police, security, and military for whom it can have direct implications on the outcome of emergency situations.

Combat grappling is practiced with board shorts and an optional rashguard along with approved protection gear that includes head gear, shin protectors, and gloves that allow grabbing and holding the opponent for a comfortable application of grappling techniques.

In order to unify the rules and participation in Grappling, Pankration, and Combat Grappling competitions, FILA has adopted common weight categories for all three styles. The lighter categories have a smaller increase in weight due to the the bigger effect weight differences have on lighter athletes’ performances. An absolute category open to competitors of all weight classes has also been added to allow heavier athletes to compete and to demonstrate that grappling techniques can sometimes overcome weight and strength, creating an exciting and spectator-friendly addition to the sport.